Career prospects
As a graduate with an MA in Global Criminology, you’ll have the skills and training to become a researcher on global crime issues, with a strong orientation in qualitative research methods. You could conduct further research at a university (usually through writing a doctoral thesis) or at research institutes (NGOs, commercial research offices, etc.). The programme also offers you an excellent foundation for a career in any sector dealing with growing forms of global crime, including public, private and non-governmental organisations (both domestic and international) that are active in areas such as illegal markets, migration, terrorism, environmental crime, fraud and financial regulation. Additional career opportunities exist in the areas of law and social reform, policy making, law enforcement and research, particularly for positions within international organisations or organisations with significant international scope.
After finishing your study, you can work as:
Career development
Our Master’s programme in Global Criminology offers you various opportunities to gain a better understanding of the world of criminological research, law enforcement agencies, crime policy and relevant organisations. In addition to coursework, you will have the chance to undertake an internship in the Netherlands or abroad, provided it relates to your thesis. Examples of Dutch-based organisations offering possible internships include the Dutch National Police, Dutch Customs, the Port of Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport, CapGemini, Europol, Friends of the Earth International, the Transnational Institute, CIROC and the International Criminal Court, to name just a few. Our programme staff will assist and encourage students who wish to undertake an international internship (Interpol, NGOs, etc.).
You can also take part in excursions to criminologically interesting institutions or projects (drug projects, penal institutions, the ICC, etc.). These trips are organised both within the framework of the MA by staff and students, and by the student association Ad Informandum, and are chosen for their relation to the four elective courses.
Career development support
The MA is part of a wider informal international network of criminological Master’s programmes. As part of your degree programme, you will have the chance to participate in two criminological Common Sessions. These sessions are held twice a year (in April/May and October/November), and they allow students and staff from 13 different universities (mainly across Europe) to present their work on a set of selected topics. In addition to Utrecht University, the 35-year-old network includes Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL), Ghent University (BE), University of Hamburg (DE), University of Kent (UK), University of Porto (PT), ELTE Budapest (HU), Middlesex University (UK), John Jay College on Criminal Justice at CUNY (USA), University of Thrace (GR), Panteion University (GR), University of Copenhagen (DK) and University of Vilnius (LT). Common Sessions are a great chance for students to meet world-leading criminologists from Europe and the USA. You will also have the chance to participate in all seminars and conferences organised by CIROC (Centre for Information and Research on Organised Crime) as well as the Dutch Platform for Cultural Criminology.
Alumni from various professions in industry and academia are regularly invited to meet our students to discuss their work experience and to answer questions. The international alumni network also helps international students enhance their experience during the programme through various extracurricular activities.
Alumni Stories
Have a look at the testimonials to get an impression of the jobs that alumni of the MA in Global Criminology have obtained. Or browse the LinkedIn profiles below to see some of our graduates in Global Criminology.
Grace Lee
Global Criminology MA | Senior Policy Analyst at Government of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Grace LeeView my profile on LinkedIn
Bram EbusView my Profile on LinkedIn
Marit de HaanView my profile on LinkedIn
Joran de JongView my profile on LinkedIn
UU Career Services
UU Career Services offers training related to career orientation and job application skills, such as writing an application letter and CV and conducting a job interview. You can find more information about career services on UU Career Services for Dutch students or UU Career Services for international students. Furthermore, the alumni network supports graduates with workshops and meet-ups after graduation to expand networks and skills.
UU Careers Day
Once a year, Utrecht University organises a Careers Day. The Careers Day event offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair. It’s also possible to join a job application training or have your resume checked.